Apparatus for elevation of head and torso in fluidized patient support

US 6,499,166 B1
Apparatus for elevation of head and torso in fluidized patient support
Mark Jones, San Antonio, Tex. (US)
Assigned to KCI Licensing, San Antonio, Tex. (US)
Filed on 17-Sep-1999, as Appl. No. KCI Licensing, San Antonio, Tex. (US)
Int. Cl.7A61G 7/057

US 6,499,166 B1 Apparatus for elevation of head and torso in fluidized patient support Mark Jones, San Antonio, Tex. (US) Assigned to KCI Licensing, San Antonio, Tex. (US) Filed on Sep. 17, 1999, as Appl. No. 9/398,670. Application 09/398670 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US98/05247, filed on Mar. 17, 1998. Claims priority of provisional application 60/040944, filed on Mar. 17, 1997. Int. Cl.7A61G 7/057 U.S. Cl. 58212;689 10 Claims 1. An apparatus for elevating the head and torso of a patient using a fluidizable patient support system, comprising: a fluidizable patient support system comprising a mass of fluidizable solid media retained beneath an air-permeable sheet, said patient support system having a head end and a leg end; and an inflatable upper body lift at said head end of said patient support system for elevating the head and torso of a patient using said patient support system.